Wine of the Week for September 8, 2008

There's still a bit of warm weather coming our way, so a bit of rosé might be just the thing. Availability is sporadic on these seasonal wines, so here are four to choose from.

Reif Gamay Rose VQA 2006 - $11.95
Style: Z
Canada, Niagara

Rich raspberry and strawberry with hints of citrus, pepper and ripe apple on the nose. Crisp, refreshing and flavourful with a suggestion of sugar, though dry, with citrus and apple on the close. Very good body and length. (LCBO 669366)

Santa Alicia Rose Reserve 2007 - $10.95
Style: Z
Chile

Mainly red berries on the nose, with a palate that shows lots of presence: juicy red berry flavours, crisp acidity and a fair amount of grip. Medium-plus body and length, it’s a 60/40 blend of cab and shiraz. A bit powerful for its class. (LCBO 73528)

Mont Gras Zinfandel Rose Estate 2007 - $10.95
Style: Z
Chile

Lovely pale peachy-salmon colour here. The nose shows some spice, and an earthy, almost oaky aroma, fleshed out by apple. Solid on the palate, with cherry/raspberry flavour and a very good spine of acidity. Good body and length and there's not a speck of sugar. (LCBO 73270)

Marques de Cacere Rosado 2007 - $12.55

Style: Z

Spain

Pale candy-apple pink. Nicely perfumed with floral, raspberry and bath soap aromas. Softish, with a nippy acidity, showing subtle lemon, raspberry and vanilla aromas. Very good body and length. (LCBO 622142)

Wine of the Week for September 1, 2008

Montalto Pinot Grigio 2006 - $9.95
Style: W3
Sicily

Here’s a top-notch choice for sipping on the deck. The nose presents light peach, apple and garrigue aromas. The palate is rather tangy, with just a hint of spritz, supporting ripe apple and grapefruit flavours. Very good body and length, and a "spirited" close. Try with lighter cheeses such as brie or chevre, or team it up with a plate of gnocchi. (LCBO 73148)

A Canadian Moment...

Colio Sauvignon Blanc VQA 2006 - $11.95
Style: W2
Canada - Erie N. Shore

I've been keeping my eye on Ontario sauvignon and it looks like we’re having no trouble producing this kind of quality at this price point. Medium straw colour with a tweak of green, it leads off with a rubbery note that quickly yields to grass, melon and lime zest. Crisp and lively with lemon, lime and grapefruit on the palate. Good body and very good length with a tart close. A good match for asparagus or mushroom risotto, or fish will dill sauce. (LCBO 489872)

Wine of the Week for August 25, 2008

Santa Alicia Carmenere Reserve 2005 - $11.95
Style: R2
Chile

Look for ripe red and dark berries, cherry, a touch of vanilla and dark chocolate on the nose. The palate is very smooth, with soft tannins, firm acidity and plum and dark chocolate flavours. Very good body and length, with a nippy acidity on the close. Quite elegant yet luscious and would age nicely for 3 or more years. A good partner for pot roast or hearty chili. (LCBO 309302)

Wine of the Week for August 18, 2008

Two from Ontario...

Hillebrand Artist Series Unoaked Chardonnay VQA 2006 - $10.95
Style: W1
Canada: Niagara

Here’s a super bargain from one of Ontario’s most reliable wineries. With a medium straw colour, it delivers ample aromas of citrus, apple and pear, with nuances of butterscotch and underbrush. Quite tasty, crisp and tangy with baked apple flavour, traces of lemon and a smoky close. Good body and length. Quite even-handed; solid with a good amount of character. Try a bottle with ocean fish, creamy pasta or pork dishes. (LCBO 88385)

Colio Girls' Night Out Chardonnay VQA 2006 - $12.95
Style: W1
Canada: Erie N. Shore

It may be that critter labels have had their day in the sun. The new trend is “Lifestyle” labels. One of a trio under this new moniker, the chardonnay shows subtle aromas of apple, melon and grass. Very nicely made, with aromas of apple and citrus, and a hint of peach. Medium body and fairly long, with good evolution in the glass. The addition of 3% gewurz makes this an interesting brew with no loss of chardonnay character. Try with roast chicken or roasted vegetables. (LCBO 89821)

Wine of the Week for August 4, 2008

Gabianno Chianti DOCG 2006 - $13.95
Style: R3
Italy: Tuscany

The robe here shows a full black cherry colour with a ruby rim. The nose is rich, slightly gamey, with vanilla, dark berries, sassafras and a touch of sweaty saddle. Not quite as interesting on the palate, but solid with firm ripe tannins, blueberry and black currant flavour and a tangy acidic close. This is good every-day chianti that calls out for classic Tuscan foods. (LCBO 78006)

Wine of the Week for July 28, 2008

Miss me? We just returned from a couple of weeks off, visiting kinfolk in the "Mid-west" where I had my fill of shiraz. Time to get back to the interesting and refreshing...

Folinari Regata IGT 2006 - $10.95
Style: W3
Italy

This blend of chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and garganega shows aromas of tree fruits, perfume, ripe apple and a touch of vanilla bean. My notes say "perky", round and nicely balanced, with apple, goose berry and a hint of citrus. Very good body with a long, nicely evolving and refreshing finish. Would go nicely with pork or flavourful seafoods. (LCBO 78014)

A Canadian Moment...

Stonechurch Riesling VQA 2006 - $12.95
Style: W3
Canada: Niagara

This off-dry version presents petrol right off the top, with dried peach and a hint of tart apple. the palate is loaded with ripe apple followed by nuances of peach and grapefruit. Good body and length, and a crisp even finish, it's very nicely done, and don't worry about the sugar. Just pair it with spicy or salty foods. (LCBO 78022)